First Presbyterian Church of Clinton to host Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans service

First Presbyterian Church of Clinton will celebrate Scottish heritage and the roots of the Presbyterian faith during a special Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans worship service Sunday, Oct. 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The community is invited to attend.

The name of the service draws on Scottish language and tradition. “Kirk” is the Scottish word for church, and tartans, known for their distinctive plaid patterns, represent specific Scottish clans, regions or regiments. The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans is the presentation of a Scottish family’s symbol, its tartan, at church for a blessing.

The service holds special meaning for Presbyterians, whose denomination traces its origins to the Church of Scotland and the Protestant Reformation led there by John Knox in the 16th century. The modern Kirkin’ tradition in the United States is generally credited to the Rev. Peter Marshall, a Scottish-born Presbyterian minister who later served as chaplain of the U.S. Senate. Marshall led a Kirkin’ service in Washington, D.C., during World War II to raise support for British war relief, and congregations across the country have embraced the observance since.

In many churches, the service features bagpipe music, a procession of clan tartans and prayers of blessing for the families represented. For First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, the day offers an opportunity to honor both the heritage of the Presbyterian Church and the family heritage of its members.

Church leaders said all members of the community are welcome to share in the celebration, whether or not they have Scottish ancestry.